The Brave OT Podcast

• Ep. 45: Burnout and Attuning to Your Inner Wisdom to Transform Your Business With Guest, Dr. Jess Reynolds

  What happens when your business feels out of alignment with who you are—and you’re brave enough to admit it? In this episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I down with Dr. Jess Reynolds, a collaborator and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and educator, to talk about what it really looks like to reimagine your life and work from the inside out. In this discussion we explore some of our lived and learned experiences including: How inner work shapes outer success—and why it’s often the part we skip The hidden spiritual and identity layers of burnout Why teaching can be the best way to learn (especially the stuff you most need yourself) Disrupting default ways of practicing to make room for deeper alignment The introvert table, mindfulness beyond meditation, and laundry piles as existential mirrors Whether you're an OT in private practice, an educator, or a healing professional trying to find your footing, this is a real conversation about being human in your work. I think you'll find ah-has in: Jess’s experience pivoting from teaching technique to teaching transformation The gap between what practitioners need and what they actually seek out in CE Why "just be yourself" isn’t always accessible—and how to honor your capacity The shift from pre-recorded courses to community-based learning Personal stories of burnout, grief, reinvention, and finding flow again Mentioned: Jess's Free Course https://aimonline.com/wellness-practice-essentials-page Book a demo with the Jane App and be sure to use my code VITALITY at the time of signup for a one month grace period on your new account. Carlyn's ACTivate Vitality Group Coaching Program   Keep the conversation going in The BRAVE OT Podcast Facebook Group Connect with Jess: Instagram: @drjessreynolds Website: https://aimonline.com/ Connect with Carlyn: Instagram: @balanceworksOT Podcast home: https://www.braveot.com 🎧 Subscribe to The BRAVE OT Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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• Ep. 44: A Conversation with STEMinist Fiction Author and OT, Jaima Fixsen

  A Lunchroom Conversation with STEMinist Fiction Author and OT, Jaima Fixsen In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jaima Fixsen, a Canadian occupational therapist and USA Today bestselling author who writes STEMinist fiction novels while balancing roles as a mom and OT. We dive deep into how she uses her OT skills to support her creative work and manage the unstructured nature of writing and the midlife desire to shift into new, more aligned occupations. Spoiler alert: tap dancing and sourdough didn't work out. Whether you're an OT interested in creative pursuits, managing your own practice, or simply curious about applying OT principles to your own life and work, this conversation offers valuable insights about embracing new occupations while honoring our professional identity.   Key Topics We Discuss: How Jaima transitioned from full-time OT to splitting her time between clinical practice and writing as a PAID occupation The concept of "middle-essence" - finding new occupations and meaning in midlife transitions Using OT strategies to manage executive function demands of creative work Creating sensory-rich writing routines to support focus and flow Setting boundaries and implementing behavioural strategies for productivity The fascinating historical background of her latest novel "The Specimen" set in 1828 Edinburgh The evolution of medical ethics and consent in anatomical studies Supporting local bookstores    OT Insights to Apply in Your Own Work: Strategies for managing unstructured work time Creating supportive sensory environments Breaking down large projects into manageable chunks Setting appropriate goals and rewards Managing perfectionism and task initiation Techniques to find creative flow and stay healthy   Resources Mentioned: The Specimen by Jaima Fixsen - find it at your local bookstore Get 2 free audiobooks at Libro.fm while supporting a local bookstore of your choice Learn more about Jaima Fixsen Instagram: @byjaimafixsen ACTivate Vitality, my program and community for OT business owners Explore the Jane.app's time-saving writing features, including my fave AI Scribe, with a one month grace period on your new account using the code VITALITY

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• Ep. 43: Overcoming Entrepreneurial Perfectionism with the Scientific Method

  Episode Summary: Is perfectionism keeping you stuck in “figure-it-all-out-first” mode? You’re not alone and you’re not broken. In this solo episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I explore a powerful reframe for occupational therapy entrepreneurs who stay in perfecting mode, immobilized by self-doubt and a need to get it right before they begin. Maybe you even use the term imposter syndrome. The antidote? The scientific method. Yes, the same framework we trust as clinicians. I walk through how we can approach entrepreneurship like the clinical scientists we already are. Instead of waiting until something is perfect, we can co-create, experiment, observe, revise, and grow. This shift can unlock so much momentum, clarity, and confidence in your business. AND it's best practice in entrepreneurship. I also share some behind-the-scenes updates: from developing a university course on entrepreneurship, to guest teaching, to getting ready for Bronwyn Paynter's Nature Day in Australia, and how all of it connects back to how we show up bravely in our work. This episode is here to help you move forward. One experiment at a time.   In This Episode: Why perfectionism is so common among high-achieving OTs What imposter syndrome really means (and why I rarely use the term) How the scientific method can be your best business tool What entrepreneurship and treatment planning have in common Why selling while you're testing matters more than you think How ACTivate Vitality helps therapy business owners build inner flexibility to navigate outer challenges   Interested in joining me at the Nature Day in Australia? Learn more here → https://bit.ly/NatureDay2025   Want to learn about working with me? I'd love to talk to you about supporting you as the whole person at the centre of your business with a community, collaborative support, human connection, and a proven transformative process to make your business and your life feel more aligned. Let's talk about ACTivate Vitality. Check it out and book a time to connect here: https://www.balanceworks.online/avprogram   A note from Jane: Switch to Jane to make documentation easier with my new best friend, AI Scribe. If you'd like to meet Jane, book a personalized introduction call and you can also use my code VITALITY for a one month grace period on your new account.

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• Ep. 42: Navigating Competition and Collaboration as OT Copywriters with Guests, Jenny Gill and Krista Frahm

  In this episode, we hear from Jenny Gill and Krista Frahm, both occupational therapists and copywriters, as they discuss the dynamics of their professional relationship and the balance between collaboration and competition. They explore their individual journeys in the field, the importance of finding one's niche, and the challenges they faced when their paths intersected. The conversation delves into dealing with professional insecurities, the role of AI in copywriting, and practical advice for marketing occupational therapy services. You'll will gain insights into the value of collaboration, the nuances of creating effective marketing strategies, and the necessity of being courageous in business.   Join us in conversation about this podcast episode in our new online community. It's in a Facebook Group called The BRAVE OT Podcast - Let's Discuss! Jenny and Krista have shared some free resources that will be linked in the group. Krista's free training about testimonials Jenny's 5 Copywriting Mistakes Made By OTs (and how to fix them)   You can also follow both on Instagram: Jenny Gill   Krista Frahm And check out their websites:  https://www.kristafrahmagency.com/  https://jennygillcopywriting.com/    🩵 And a big shoutout to our podcast sponsor, Jane.app. I'm grateful to be connected to this organization that feels deeply values-aligned. Did you know Jane won a 2025 Bronze Stevie Award for Customer Service Department of the Year – Computer Software! Out of 2,100+ entries from around the world, it's no surprize that Jane’s world-class support stood out. 🩵 If you're ready to check Jane out, head over and book a demo HERE for a one month grace period on a new account.     

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• Ep. 41: The Making of an OT Entrepreneur with Guest Interviewer Jacqueline Buhler

  On this episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I get to sit in the interviewee seat as OT student, Jacqueline Buhler, asks me questions about being an OT business owner!  Jacqueline brings her entrepreneurial spirit and curiosity as we discuss my experiences and reflections on choices I made and ways I adapted at different phases of my OT career and business.  We draw some parallels between the transition from OT student to emerging clinician and from OT to OT entrepreneurship, revealing how different traits and skills facilitate success. We explore how traits like adaptability, flexibiity, curiosity, self-awareness, and creative problem-solving are valuable skills to develop.   This authentic dialogue offers both validation and practical insights for OTs questioning their entrepreneurial potential or wondering how to leverage their natural traits while charting their own unique path in practice. ________________   ACTivate Vitality is currently open for OT entrepreneurs like you if you would like to grow personally and professionally as the whole person at the centre of your business. Send me an email if this sounds like you! [email protected] _______________ Reach our guest host, soon to be emerging OT, Jacqueline for networking on this Google Form. ________________ A shout-out to our sponsor, Jane, the EMR with heart. To see how Jane can help you reclaim your evenings and weekends, head over and meet Jane to book a personalized demo and, if you’re ready to get started, you can use the code VITALITY at the time of sign-up for a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.

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